Route to Bypass Maputo from Komatipoort to Xai Xai

sambradmatt created the topic: Route to Bypass Maputo from Komatipoort to Xai Xai

7 years 3 months ago

sambradmatt

Topic Author

Hi Mike

Please can you advise me on the following proposed route from Komatiepoort to Xai Xai to bypass Maputo:

We will enter Moz at Komatiepoort at around 23h30 when the border is pretty quite and no queues. We will travel on the EN4 for about 30km and then turn left on the 251 to Moamba. At Moamba the 251 becomes the 570 and we will continue out the other side of the town. We will continue following the river and near Sabie the 570 becomes the 405. We will then continue on the 405 till it becomes the 204 near Magude. The 204 continues through Xinavane and then joins the EN1 about 40km North of Manhica and about 80km South of Xai Xai.

I would like to know if you or anyone else you know has done this route as I have heard that it is the best way to avoid Maputo. One of our party is towing a boat into Moz for the first time and is only his second time in Moz. His concern is with the local officials and road blocks.

Is this a route that is fairly easy to take since we are planning to be traveling in the early hours? Or should we stick to the main road and put up with the officials.

My concern is the remoteness of the route with regards to availability of fuel or any breakdown situation that might arise.
Also what is the road condition like on this route?

Any info on this route, the more recent the better, would be greatly appreciated.

mozman replied the topic: Route to Bypass Maputo from Komatipoort to Xai Xai

quite a well-use route and driving at night OK if you take into account that there will be some livestock and trucks to avoid. If it is raining or bad vis then I would not do this route at night. Can be a bit rough in rain when towing so if big rains have come, stick to the tarmac route via Maputo.

There are local bush mechanics in Sabie and Magude and also the sugar mill at Xinavane would help in emergency - but of course not in the middle of the night.

Hi Mike,
Planning to use the same route to Xai Xai in April. I take it it is a tar road and in OK condition? You think the recent floods may have caused some damage and better to stick to the main route?
Thanx and regards,
Rassie

Moamba - Sabie - Magude - Xinavane is gravel but quite well maintained. Moamba direct to Xinavane (no crossing of Incomati river) is not well maintained.

Yes quite a lot of damage due to recent floods and if the rains continue in Moz I advise using main road via Maputo (WATCH OUT FOR THE VERY CORRUPT COPS, BUT KEEP YOU COOL, DON'T LOOK LIKE YOU ARE IN A HURRY, AND BE POLITE).

If I get reports of people using the Maputo by-pass I will let everyone know latest road condition.